Welcome to a new off-season series here at Vikings Wire! As the title suggests, this series offers an outside perspective on this franchise, reflecting our thoughts and what we would personally do. This will be an ongoing series leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft.
In this first edition, we will take a look at this coaching staff, including the head coach and both offensive and defensive coordinators. We will take a deep dive and look at any potential moves to be made among this staff, and if coaches leave, who should replace them.
Be advised, these are going to be longer reads! Let’s dive right in!
Head Coach: Kevin O’Connell
This Minnesota Vikings team rattled off five-straight wins to close out the year, ending the season at 9-8, which marks the third winning season in four years as Vikings head coach. O’Connell catches slack at times for his offense being very inconsistent. Yes, a major part of that was the play of J.J. McCarthy, but you have to understand his growing pains and the fact that he failed to realize this offense was still far too complex for him.
We are also still waiting for O’Connell’s first playoff win. The 2024 playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, 27-9, was a major blemish on his resume. When you enter the playoffs 14-3, and you put up this type of performance, doubts start to arise. Sam Darnold was in misery all afternoon, as he was sacked nine times. Sometimes it feels as if the lights are just a little too bright.
He still showcases his ability to be an offensive mastermind. You watch this offense when it is humming, and you understand why O’Connell is still regarded as one of the offensive greats in the NFL. He also gets the most out of his players, as shown by their winning streak to close out the year, even though they were eliminated from playoff contention.
Kevin O’Connell is safe, for now.
Offensive Coordinator: Wes Phillips
Wes Phillips was with Kevin O’Connell during their time with the Los Angeles Rams. Phillips took over the offensive coordinator job in 2022. During his three seasons in Minnesota, the offense has declined in yards each season, with this season ranking 28th in yards.
My biggest knock on Phillips is his abandonment of the run game when the going gets tough. This rush attack was 13th in yards per carry, but was toward the bottom of the NFL in attempts. Yes, part of this is in part due to constantly playing from behind. But with this defense, there was no need to abandon it so early in games, putting J.J. McCarthy in bad situations.
I also believe his lack of force-feeding Justin Jefferson was concerning. When the best wide receiver in football has a stretch of games where he had 19 receptions in six games, something is wrong. Yes, McCarthy was bad this year, but you have to find a way to get Jefferson the football no matter what. You design screens, quick throws, whatever it takes. Phillips refused to do that.
While changing offensive coordinators is not ideal with a young quarterback with less than a year’s worth of NFL starts, I do not believe Wes Phillips is the correct guy to continue his development. However, based on previous success, he earns himself one more year in Minnesota.
Wes Phillips is on the hot seat.
Defensive Coordinator: Brian Flores
Brian Flores put on a masterclass in coaching this season, getting the Minnesota Vikings to finish third in total defense while battling numerous injuries. This defense finished tied for fourth in sacks (49.0) and tied for 11th in total takeaways (21). This defense thrived under Flores, and it is clear that he is beloved by this unit and the fan base.
However, it is obvious he is gone this offseason. He will be getting a head coaching job, which will be his second stint in that role. Minnesota should throw as much money as it would take to keep him, but the opportunity to get a head coaching job doesn’t come often, and I would not blame him for leaving. With that being said, these are my three candidates to replace him:
- Daronte Jones, Vikings DBs coach/passing game coordinator
- Jonathan Gannon, former Arizona Cardinals HC
- Brandon Staley, Saints defensive coordinator
- Rod Wright, Texans defensive line coach
- Jamar Cain, Broncos defensive line coach
Out of these five, my top candidates are Rod Wright and Jamar Cain. These guys have done a masterful job with their units on their teams, and could unlock a guy like Dallas Turner, and when this Minnesota Vikings team adds a second pass rusher. In reality, I expect Daronte Jones or Mike Siravo (inside linebackers coach) to be promoted to defensive coordinator.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Becoming the Vikings GM: Evaluating the coaching staff
